Women's Soccer Adds Eight for 2013

The Central Connecticut women's soccer program has announced the signing of eight new student-athletes to the 2013 roster. The well-rounded recruiting class will join the Blue Devils this fall.

LAURA GOMEZ - Deer Park, NY - Mid/Fwd
Midfielder and forward, Laura Gomez, comes to Central from Deer Park, NY. She is a member of the East Meadow United Elite Clubs National League team and the NY Olympic Development Program team. She was also awarded First Team All-County.

"Already a star in the ECNL, Laura is an exciting attacking player who can play out wide or through the middle," Head Coach Mick D'Arcy said. "She will score and create chances in the NEC."

KRISTINE KELLY - Livingston, NJ - Mid/Def
Kristine Kelly, a midfielder and defender, was a part of the 2012 Olympic Development Program U17 Regional team. The Livingston, NJ native also competed in the Boca Raton ODP Inter-regional tournament this past November.

"Kristine can dominate the midfield," D'Arcy said. "She is incredibly composed on the ball and has terrific vision. She has also shown great versatility with the ODP regional team where she plays in the defense."

MORGAN SANTORO - Islip, NY - Midfield
Santoro is a decorated addition to the Blue Devils as she has been named a 2012 All-American, First Team Long Island, Soffolk County Player of the Year, All-State First Team, All-County First Team, All-Conference First Team as well as All-League First Team. The Islip, NY native also leads Long Island in assists and ranks second in points.

"Morgan is an exceptionally talented center midfield player," D'Arcy said. "She has fantastic technical ability and knows how to control the game tempo."

CHRISTIANA SOLOMOU - Republic of Cyprus - Forward
Solomou was a member of the Cyprus Senior National team U17 and U19. She was also a member of the Apollon Ladies FC UEFA Champions League in 2011 and 2012.

"Christiana is a proven goal-scorer and creator at the highest levels in Europe," D'Arcy said. "Her experience in the UEFA Champion's League will be a major benefit."

TORI SOUSA - Nashua, NH - Forward
Sousa comes to CCSU from the University of Massachusetts where she earned several accolades on the field. As a freshman in 2011, the Nashua, NH native earned All-Atlantic 10 Rookie Team Honors after starting 11 games, scoring four goals and accumulating four assists. As a sophomore, she added four assists and one goal, a game-winner over Duquesne. Sousa was also a member of Stars of Mass in the Elite Clubs National League.

JENNIFER STEC - Colchester, CT - Defense
Stec is a member of the CFC United Elite Clubs National League team and was named an ECC All-Star. The Colchester, CT native also earned ECC All-Conference honors in 2011 and 2012.

"Jenny is a tough tackling defender who can play numerous positions across the back and is very comfortable joining the attack too," D'Arcy said.

NICKI TURLEY- Henrietta, NY - Goalkeeper
Turley comes to CCSU from Henrietta, NY where she was named First Team All-Greater Rochester in 2011 and 2012. She is also a four time All-County First Team awardee (2009-2012).

"Nicki is a wonderful athlete and has a phenomenal presence in the goal." D'Arcy said. "She is capable of making unbelievable saves."

ABBY GIBBONS - Simsbury, CT - Fwd/Mid/Def
A multi-talented and well rounded athlete, Abby Gibbons was a member of the Soccer Plus Elite Clubs National League team. She also competed in track in high school and is a state qualifier in the 100 meter dash, the 200 meter dash and the 4x100 meter relay.

Each of the eight recruits to the class of 2013 will undoubtedly make a great impact on the Blue Devil squad when the season gets under way this fall.